Red Cross has Urgent Need for Blood and Platelets
The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and preparing to carry out our lifesaving mission in the event of any possible disruptions, as well as supporting public health agencies to help communities prepare.
Right now, the American Red Cross strongly urges healthy, eligible individuals to schedule a blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation appointment to help maintain a sufficient blood product supply and avoid any potential shortages. The Red Cross also urges organizations to maintain scheduled blood drives. Donating is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood or platelets.
Cold and flu season has already impacted the nation’s ability to maintain its blood products supply. As the number of coronavirus cases grows in the U.S., the number of people eligible to give blood and platelets for patients in need could decrease further, which is why the Red Cross is urging all eligible, healthy donors to give now.